The Medical journal of Australia
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A case of pulmonary ascariasis is reported for the first time in Australia. Because of increasing immigration from countries which have a high incidence of ascariasis (especially those of South-East Asia), and increasing travel to Asian countries, the awareness of this infestation as a cause of respiratory disease may be of great importance.
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A case is reported of a plastic vibrator which was successfully removed from a 64-year-old male after having been resident in his rectum for a period of six months, during which time the patient endured a world trip, making it the longest standing, most travelled foreign body introduced into the rectum yet reported.
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Fibreoptic colonoscopy was commenced in the Edward Wilson Colon and Rectum Unit at Sydney Hospital in June, 1973. The experience of the first five years of its use is reported. Six hundred and twenty-six examinations have been performed in 568 patients. ⋯ There were six colonic perforations (1.2%) with one death, and two significant haemorrhages (0.4%). This incidence of complications is acceptably low, especially in view of the great benefits obtained by the patient from fibreoptic colonoscopy. The newer instruments, especially the medium length Olympus MB3 colonoscope, have greatly facilitated the examination and, combined with increasing experience, may significantly lower the incidence of complications in the future.